If you live in Saskatoon and you do not have private dental insurance, you may be eligible for coverage under the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP), a dental program funded by the federal government and administered by Sun Life. For most Saskatchewan residents, dental care is typically paid out of pocket or through private insurance. hellodent can help you search for participating providers in the Saskatoon area.
What Is the CDCP in Saskatoon?
The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is a federal dental program for Canadians who do not have private dental insurance and whose household income is under $90,000 per year. The plan is funded by the federal government and administered by Sun Life. Eligible residents may receive coverage for many common treatments, with frequency limits applied. To use your CDCP coverage in Saskatoon, you can visit a dentist who accepts the plan. hellodent can help you find participating providers across the city.
Who Is Eligible for CDCP Coverage
To qualify for CDCP coverage, you need to meet all of the following:
- You are a Canadian resident for tax purposes.
- You filed your income tax return for the previous year.
- You do not have dental insurance through a private plan, employer, or pension.
- Your household income is under $90,000 per year.
All ages are now eligible. Coverage will need to be renewed annually by June 1 each year. Apply for coverage through the Government of Canada website.
How Much Does Dental Care Cost Under the CDCP in Saskatoon?
Under the CDCP, your share of the cost is based on your net family income. The plan covers a percentage of the CDCP fee guide amount, and you pay the rest as a co-payment.
| Net Family Income | Covered by CDCP | You Pay (co-payment) |
|---|
| Below $70,000 | 100% of the CDCP fee guide amount | 0% |
| $70,000 to $79,999 | 60% | 40% |
| $80,000 to $89,999 | 40% | 60% |
You may also be charged the difference between the CDCP fee guide and the practice's regular fee. This is called balanced billing. Since the CDCP fee guide is often lower than the provincial fee guide, some dentists may charge above it.
What Does CDCP Cover?
The CDCP may cover a wide range of common treatments. Coverage may include:
- Diagnostic services such as exams and checkups
- Dental X-rays if required
- Preventive care including scaling, polishing, fluoride, and sealants for children 17 and under
- Periodontal services such as scaling and root planing
- Restorative treatments like fillings
- Endodontic services such as root canals
- Prosthodontic services including full and partial dentures, but not implant-supported dentures
- Sedation, with minimal sedation more readily covered
- Oral surgery, including extractions, abscess drainage, and cyst removal
Frequency limits may apply. Some treatments need to be pre-authorized by Sun Life before they are covered:
- New crowns, posts, and cores
- Moderate or deep sedation and general anesthesia
- Major surgical treatments
- Orthodontic services (when clinically necessary) may be covered after a date to be announced
The above treatments are also subject to frequency limits.
What Is Not Covered by CDCP?
The CDCP does not cover certain elective or specialized treatments. These include dental implants and related work, veneers, teeth whitening, fixed bridges, mouthguards and night guards, TMJ appliances and therapy, bone grafting, inlays and onlays, and crown lengthening. If you need one of these treatments, you may want to discuss the cost of your visit with your dentist before booking.
Where to Find CDCP Providers in Saskatoon
Saskatoon's dental clinics are spread across the city, with concentrations downtown and along key arterial roads. To make your search easier, you can browse providers by neighbourhood:
- Central: Downtown, Nutana, Broadway, Riversdale
- South and East: Lakeview, Briarwood, Stonebridge
- North and Northeast: Brighton
You can use hellodent to search by location or address and toggle the CDCP filter to see clinics that accept the plan. Sort by rating or distance to compare options near you. Experience with your specific treatment can matter more than how close the clinic is.
How to Choose a CDCP Provider in Saskatoon
Picking a clinic that fits your needs can take a bit of research. Here are a few things to look at.
Credentials
Every dentist practising in Saskatchewan must be registered with the College of Dental Surgeons of Saskatchewan (CDSS). You can verify a dentist's credentials through the CDSS before booking.
General Dentist or Specialist
Many CDCP-covered treatments can be performed by general dentists, including routine care and some common treatments like extractions, fillings, and dentures. For more complicated procedures like periodontal treatment or oral surgery, your dentist may refer you to a specialist who also accepts CDCP coverage. Specialists work within that specialty only.
Questions to Ask
- Do you accept CDCP coverage for new patients?
- Do you offer the treatment I think I need?
- Does CDCP cover a specific treatment I think I need?
- How much would my co-payment be?
Paying for Dental Care in Saskatoon
Provincial Coverage
Saskatchewan's provincial health plan, the Saskatchewan Medical Care Insurance (SMCI), generally does not cover routine dental care. For most Saskatchewan residents, dental care is typically paid out of pocket or through private insurance. Dental work done in a hospital may be covered.
CDCP Coverage
If you do not have private dental insurance and your household income is under $90,000 per year, you may be eligible for coverage under the CDCP. The plan may cover many common treatments, with frequency limits and pre-authorization rules for certain services. Apply for coverage through the Government of Canada website.
Financing and Payment Plans
Some clinics offer in-house payment plans or third-party financing. If you need a treatment that the CDCP does not cover, ask the clinic about payment options before you book. You can also request an estimate so you know what to expect.
*The content provided in this article, including text, graphics, and referenced material, is intended for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional dental advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with your dentist or another qualified oral health professional for questions regarding your dental condition. Never disregard professional dental advice or delay seeking it based on information from this article. If you believe you have a dental emergency, contact your dentist, or seek immediate assistance from an oral healthcare professional. The information in this article has been gathered based on information available online and has not been fact checked by a dental professional.
